September 28, 2010

Renaissance Institute at College of Notre Dame of Maryland presents its third Scholar’s Forum, “Report Card Baltimore,” a diversified examination of Baltimore-area schools, on Saturday, November 6, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Knott Science Center auditorium.

The cost of the forum is $10.00 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 410-532-5351 or visiting www.ndm.edu/renaissance

A distinguished panel of experts will discuss the respective roles of public, parochial, and charter schools and teacher preparation in strengthening the City’s education system:

• Andres A. Alonso, ED.D., chief executive officer of the Baltimore City Public Schools, will present an overview of public education in the city and highlight current issues and programs within the system. As a teacher and administrator in New York and Baltimore, he earned national recognition for his work in the field, including being named “School Superintendent of the Year” by the Fullwood Foundation.

• Jason Botel, executive director of KIPP Baltimore, will discuss the increasing role and influence of charter schools. KIPP Baltimore operates two city schools: KIPP Ujima Village Academy and KIPP Harmony Academy. The mission of KIPP Baltimore is to create and operate public schools in Baltimore City that will enable students from low socioeconomic backgrounds and a diversity of skill levels to attend and succeed in four-year colleges.

• Sr. Sharon Slear, SSND, dean of the School of Education at College of Notre Dame of Maryland, will speak on teacher preparation and educational leadership. Sr. Sharon has established professional development programs with several Maryland school districts and recently initiated a leadership program in Panama designed to train teachers who will use their advanced skills in Baltimore City Schools.

• Mary Ellen Fise, Program Director, Office of School Planning, Archdiocese of Baltimore Schools, will present findings of a recent in-depth study of the parochial school system in Baltimore and the impact of the subsequent decisions based on its recommendations.

A question and answer discussion period will follow each presentation.

This inclusive examination of one of the leading public issues is part of the expanding late learning program at The Renaissance Institute. Inaugurated last year, the forums have previously addressed the United States Supreme Court and current developments in the field of health. The Renaissance Institute is part of the academic community of College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

Contact Information

Office of University Communications

John Rivera Director of University CommunicationsOffice: 410-532-5546Mobile: 443-604-2918jrivera@ndm.edu